Transforming a former church building and historic property into an updated facility for the United Teen Equality Center (UTEC) allowed for an expanded youth center in support of their work as a multicultural safe-haven for youth development and community outreach programs.

The design team worked closely with the UTEC teens throughout the design process as well as with the local historic board for site planning exterior design review. The design includes the renovation to the existing building as well as an addition resulting in a large multi-use performance space, fitness center, classroom space, computer room, video production suite, sound recording lab, dance studio, lounge area, mediation room, café, kitchen and staff office space.

The project benefitted from a MASS Historic grant, a DOER energy grant, ARRA restrictions, and a utility energy rebate. Notable sustainable design features include the use of natural ventilation utilization of the former belfry as a thermal chimney.